Dr. Arianna Maffei’s show, “Taste in the Cerebrum,” opened up captivating bits of knowledge into how our young life food encounters shape our grown-up taste inclinations, tying taste discernment near mind capability, memory, and culture. Her investigation of how early food encounters leave an enduring engraving on the mind impacted me on an individual level, particularly as I ponder my developing inclinations.

One of the most fascinating parts of her discussion was the possibility that our taste inclinations are a question of individual decision yet are profoundly connected to brain processes framed in youth. Dr. Maffei underscored that these early food experiences make a system inside the cerebrum that impacts our impression of taste throughout life. This was both amazing and enlightening, as I had frequently considered taste inclinations something that moved basically because of natural elements or openness to new food varieties in adulthood.

As I continue working on my mandala project for another class, I want to continue working on the idea of a dot art mandala (as shown in class before). I’m going to use my inspirations from Islamic art which in architecture intricate symmetrical patterns, and past pointillism art.

Isilay Yildiz, a Studio Art major, drew inspiration from her life, Islamic patterns, and surroundings. As she is inspired to become an art teacher, she wants to inspire the younger generation to continue creating and to use art to inspire others. She creates dot art mandalas on canvases for meditation and connects with her viewers through intricate patterns and complex designs to show her past experiences.

Isilay Yildiz is a visual artist currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Studio Art at Stony Brook University. With a strong foundation in the arts, Isilay has developed her skills through years of hands-on experience, starting from her time in high school, where she was an active member of the National Art Honors Society and participated in various creative activities. Her passion for art is rooted in both her academic journey and extracurricular activities, including her involvement in community programs such as Best Buddies, where she supported children with autism and Down syndrome in afterschool programs.

Isilay is known for her friendly and kind demeanor, which has helped her form connections in every space she enters. Her dedication to visual arts, coupled with her background in service and instruction, has shaped her unique perspective and artistic voice. As she continues her studies, Isilay is focused on exploring the intersections of art and community, with an emphasis on creating works that reflect her life experiences and social engagement. She looks forward to continuing to grow as an artist and contributing to the contemporary art world with her distinct vision and passion for creativity.

Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) is a fascinating neurological condition where individuals with significant vision loss experience vivid, often complex visual hallucinations. These hallucinations range from simple patterns to detailed images of people, animals, or fantastical scenes. My project seeks to explore the emotional, psychological, and phenomenological dimensions of CBS through a series of paintings that capture the elusive, transient, and surreal nature of these hallucinations.

I aim to create visual interpretations of the syndrome, focusing on how individuals might experience the dissonance between the real world they inhabit and the illusory visions they see. The paintings will explore the tension between loss and creation—where the mind, deprived of sight, compensates by generating intricate and sometimes disturbing images. The series will also touch upon themes of isolation, perception, and the fragility of sensory experience.